what do real estate agents charge

Real estate agents charge a commission, which is typically a percentage of the sale price of the property. The commission is split between the buyers agent and the sellers agent. The average commission rate in most Virginia markets is between 4% to 6% to hire a full-service real estate agent. However, commission rates are not set by law and must always be negotiable, so the seller can try to get a lower rate. The commission rate can vary depending on the specific terms of the agents commission, and it should be outlined in the contract that you sign when you hire an agent. Some agents may charge a flat fee or a lower commission rate, such as 1% to 1.5% of the homes sale price. Its important to note that commission rates are negotiable, but for properties and locations in high demand, the agent may hold firm on how much they charge.